Tallahassee, Fla. – Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, new documentation
requirements took effect for Florida residents wishing to obtain a driver license
or identification card. Since inception of the new requirements, the Department
of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has issued 913,736 new cards with the gold
star in the upper right corner indicating compliance with the new identification
requirements.

Customers who wish to obtain a new license, legally change their name prior to their
renewal date, or immediately replace a lost or stolen license or ID card are required
to visit a driver license office and show proof of identity, Social Security number
and residential address (two items). To prepare for a visit to a driver license
office, customers are visiting the Department’s interactive website,
www.GatherGoGet.com,
to find out how and when to gather the right documents, go to a driver license office
and get a new card. The website, also available in Spanish and Creole, has been
visited more than 887,000 times, as customers are successfully obtaining information
that helps them collect required documents, create personalized checklists, and
locate the closest driver license offices in their area.

“The Department will continue to educate our customers so that they come prepared
for their next visit to an office,” said Division of Driver License Director Sandra
Lambert. “We are committed to working with our customers while ensuring that Florida’s
driver license and ID card system maintains the highest possible level of security
and integrity.”

The Department, in partnership with many of Florida’s county tax collectors, offers
driver license and ID card services. While the new documentation requirements began
Jan. 1, 2010, Florida residents may not have to visit a driver license or tax collector
office right away. Customers can verify when they need to visit an office with the
required documents by visiting
www.GatherGoGet.com.
Many customers may be eligible to renew online or via mail, one time between office
renewals. The renewal following a convenience option must be in a state driver license
office or participating tax collector office where new requirements are in effect.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety
and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department
is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution
of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and
operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services
offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.